Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, with reference to Question 9 of oral evidence taken before the Justice Committee on 24 October 2023, HC 1929, Session 2022–23, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the adequacy of the levels of pay of (a) prison officers and (b) operational support staff on (i) leaving and (ii) vacancy rates.

Recruitment and retention (leaving and vacancy rates) are a key consideration when formulating HMPPS pay proposals for the Prison Service Pay Review Body (PSPRB). However, levels of pay for Prison Officers and operational support staff are ultimately determined through the independent PSPRB process with the panel having considered evidence from both Government (HMPPS) and the recognised trade unions.